Teaching

Children may sit at tables for this activity. Give each child a paper plate or sheet of cardstock, plus a pencil or washable marker. Have them write “Faithful” on one side and “Kind” on the other side. If time is short, you may write the words on the children’s plates before class.

Let’s say our SuperTruth together:  “I will be faithful and kind.” 

In our story, were Ruth and Boaz faithful and kind just once, or many times? Many times.

I will read a part of the story about Ruth or Boaz, then you will vote on whether that person was being faithful or kind. To vote, choose the word on your plate, then hold up that side so I can see it. Many times, if people are being faithful, they are also being kind—so if you feel the answer is both, twirl your plate back and forth to show both answers.

1. Naomi told Orpah and Ruth to return home. Orpah left but Ruth clung to her and refused to leave her. See Ruth 1:14–18. Was Ruth being faithful, kind or both?  Faithful or both.

Ruth modeled what faithfulness means—to be trustworthy, loyal and reliable.    

2.  Ruth told Naomi that she was going into the harvest fields to glean grain. See Ruth 2:2. Was this being faithful, kind or both?  Kind.

Naomi did not ask Ruth to do this. Ruth chose to show kindness by working to find food for them to eat.

3. Boaz was wealthy and an important person in Bethlehem. See Ruth 2:1. He chose to greet his harvesters by saying, “The Lord be with you!” See Ruth 2:4. Was this being faithful, kind or both?  Kind.

Even though Boaz was a very important man in Bethlehem, was he arrogant and proud?

No, instead of being bossy or harsh, he chose to be cheerful and bless his workers.  

4. The foreman told Boaz that Ruth had been working hard except for a few minutes’ rest. See Ruth 2:6. Was she being faithful, kind or both?  Faithful.

Ruth did not know anyone was watching her—yet she still worked hard and was not lazy. She was a faithful and reliable worker who appreciated the opportunity that was given to her.

5. Boaz told Ruth to stay in his field to gather grain and to follow his workers closely. He told his workers not to treat her roughly, and he made sure she had food and water. Boaz told the workers to drop some grain on purpose for her to pick up. See Ruth 2:8–9,14–16. Was this being faithful, kind or both?  Kind.

Boaz was both generous and kind. He protected her and told his workers to take care of her needs. He even made it easier for her to find grain by ordering his workers to drop grain in her path.    

6. Ruth worked hard all day and carried the grain back to Naomi. She even brought her the food that was left over from her meal. See Ruth 2:17–18. Was this being faithful, kind or both?  Both.

After working so hard all day, some people may have wanted to keep what they got for themselves. Yet Ruth was unselfish and shared everything with Naomi. This showed both kindness and faithfulness. 

7. Ruth worked in Boaz’s fields until the end of the barley and summer wheat harvest. See Ruth 2:23. Was this being faithful, kind or both?  Faithful.

Ruth was humble and faithfully worked in Boaz’ fields for many months, through two harvests. She didn’t quit, even though it was hard work to bend over and pick up grain for hours at a time. 

8. Ruth followed all the instructions that Naomi gave her to do when she went to see Boaz one evening. See Ruth 3:5. Was this being faithful, kind or both? Faithful.

Ruth completely obeyed everything Naomi told her to do—even though Naomi could not see her. That is truly being faithful!  

9. Boaz said Ruth showed loyalty to Naomi and her family by coming to him, the family redeemer. She did not go after a younger man for a husband. See Ruth 3:7–10. Was this being faithful, kind or both?  Faithful.

Ruth showed respect and kindness to Naomi and her family. She may not have understood what Naomi and Boaz told her to do, but she carefully followed their instructions.

10. Boaz kept his word to Ruth. He redeemed the property from Naomi and took Ruth for his wife. See Ruth 3:13; 4:19–20. Was he being faithful, kind or both?  Both.

Boaz was a man of his word. He promised Ruth that he would redeem and care for her if the other family member did not. Boaz followed Jewish law and was kind to the other relative, giving him the chance to redeem the property if he desired. After Boaz and Ruth were married, a son was born to them who would inherit the family property and carry on the family name.

Conclusion: Ruth remained faithful to Naomi even in the most difficult times. God was also faithful to Ruth and Naomi and rewarded them through Boaz. He was faithful then and He is faithful today! God’s faithfulness never ends.

We read about this in Psalm 119:90 (cev):

You remain faithful in every generation, and the earth You created will keep standing firm.

Our Discipleship Challenge is about being kind and faithful. Let’s learn more about that now!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give each child a pencil, glue stick, children’s scissors, and both pattern pieces for Gizmo’s Snow Cone Machine. Have children follow the instructions on the pattern sheets to cut out and assemble the pieces, then place the three snow cones in the door. Have them write their names on the back. Display the model you made before class and assist the children as necessary to complete their craft.

Let’s read what the first Snow Cone says. I will be faithful and kind. Learn Proverbs 3:3.

If time permits, look up and read the verse with the children. Proverbs 3:3:

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

Our first snow cone challenge is to memorize Proverbs 3:3 and also to look for ways that we can show faithfulness and kindness to other people.

You will see that the verse says loyalty instead of faithfulness. The two words are very close in meaning—and kindness and faithfulness are both fruit of the Spirit. God is faithful and kind, so when we give our lives to Him, He gives us faithfulness and kindness. But these are not gifts that we keep to ourselves—God gives them to us so we can share them with others. All we must do is pray, listen to God’s quiet voice speaking in our hearts, and obey Him.

Next time, I will ask if anyone can share how they showed kindness and faithfulness to others during our first snow cone challenge.